Garden State Woman
Watch Your Mouth: Part II
For Women Only by Dr. Allyson K. Hurley, DDS, MAGD, AAACD

Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and practicing good oral hygiene is sound advice for everyone, but women of all ages have particular oral health needs. The following are common issues women may experience throughout the different phases of their life, along with the oral health problems associated with them.

Tobacco Products
The use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, snuff or “dip”, and chewing tobacco is the number one threat to teeth and gums. It is the primary cause of oral cancer, and a leading cause of periodontal disease. These products contain carcinogenic compounds, and the use of them can lead to oral cancer. Smokers are four to ten times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the gums, is seven times more likely in smokers. Smokers are at significant risk in the development and progression of this disease, which can result in tooth loss. Oral cancer, in its early stage, can be painless and difficult to detect without a thorough examination by a dental or medical professional.

Oral Piercing
As oral piercing has become more common, dentists are beginning to see the ill effects of this practice. It can trigger dangerous infections and can cause permanent nerve damage to the tongue. The “jewelry” can strike the teeth with enough force to fracture teeth, necessitating fillings, root canal treatment, crowns, and even the loss of teeth. Oral piercing can also affect taste and speech. There is research underway to determine if oral cancer can be associated with these piercings.

Periodontal Disease
Studies now confirm that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, the nation’s leading cause of death. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, clot formation, respiratory diseases, and be a serious threat to people with diabetes. Women with periodontal disease may be more likely to give birth to an underweight or pre-term baby. Oral microbes may enter the placenta, which can expose the fetus to infection. This disease can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing, proper diet, and routine professional care.

Oral Contraceptives
The hormones progesterone or estrogen are present in birth control pills and women using these products may experience gingivitis, or swelling of the gums, and tissue tenderness. Brushing and flossing, and seeing your dental professional regularly will help control these symptoms. Dry socket (a localized inflammation of the tooth socket) following tooth extraction may also occur. In addition, certain antibiotics can negate the efficacy of oral contraceptives. If antibiotics are prescribed for any reason a back-up form of birth control should be used until the course of antibiotics is finished.

Osteoporosis
In postmenopausal women low bone density (osteoporosis) leads to greater risk of gum disease. This reduction in bone mass around the teeth contributes to periodontal disease and related tooth loss. Dental x-rays can help to identify potential problems before they become too serious, so regular dental visits are of the utmost importance.

For more information on women’s dental health issues or to review Part I of this series visit www.allysonhurley.com and click on “articles.”